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Key Points

Former X executive Esther Crawford publicly defended H-1B visa workers against anti-immigrant posts on the platform. She revealed that engineers from India and China were crucial to keeping X operational during its tumultuous takeover period. Her comments arrive as the Trump administration implements new fees and restrictions on H-1B visa applications. The US State Department has since issued clarifications about which applicants the new rules actually affect.

Key Points: Former X Exec Esther Crawford Defends H-1B Engineers From India China

  • Crawford credits H-1B engineers for working long hours during X's critical takeover period
  • She highlights their role in solving complex technical problems alongside American colleagues
  • Her comments counter anti-immigrant rhetoric on the platform
  • The defense comes amid new Trump administration H-1B visa fees and restrictions
2 min read

Former X executive defends H-1B workers, slams anti-immigrant posts on X

Ex-Twitter director Esther Crawford credits H-1B visa holders from India and China for saving X platform, slamming anti-immigrant rhetoric amid new Trump visa fees.

"Twitter/X survived because of H-1B engineers, mostly from India & China... they're the reason you can tweet at all - Esther Crawford"

San Francisco, September 22

Former X (earlier Twitter) executive Esther Crawford has hit back at anti-immigrant rhetoric on X, saying the platform itself survived because of H-1B engineers, many from India and China, who worked tirelessly during the company's takeover period.

Crawford, who served as Director of Product Management during the company's takeover and rebranding as X, said that the platform survived because of the H-1B engineers from India and China after the takeover, as they worked long hours during critical times.

"Twitter/X survived because of H-1B engineers, mostly from India & China. They stayed after the acquisition, worked long hours and solved brutally complex problems alongside American colleagues. When posting anti-immigrant takes, remember: they're the reason you can tweet at all," she wrote on X.

https://x.com/esthercrawford/status/1969833079725559944?s=12

Her remarks come after US President Donald Trump's recent H-1B visa proclamation imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications.

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of Commerce defended the Trump administration's latest immigration measures and slammed the US Former President Joe Biden for the influx of large numbers of "illegal aliens in America".

"For the past four years, open-border Democrats endlessly flooded the country with illegal aliens at the expense of hardworking Americans. The Trump administration is completely reversing course on that disastrous agenda. These programs guarantee that recipients who come to work in America must provide significant benefit to our great country. We are ending workers taking jobs away from hard working Americans and taking advantage of our economy and providing nothing in return. The Trump Card begins to restore our immigration system to its intended purpose: significantly benefitting America," the Secretary said in an X post.

After the White House, the US State Department on Sunday (local time) also issued a clarification on Trump's order, debunking many false claims circulating on H1-B visa rules.

The State department stressed that the new H-1B rules "do not apply to any previously issued H-1B visas, or any petitions submitted prior to 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on September 21, 2025."

It further clarified that the new fee requirement applies only to individuals or companies filing fresh petitions or entering the lottery system after September 21. Current visa holders and applications submitted before that date remain unaffected.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally someone speaking truth! Indian engineers are the backbone of Silicon Valley. They don't "take jobs" - they create value and innovation. Esther Crawford is absolutely right. 👏
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the contributions of H-1B workers, we also need to consider American job seekers. There should be a balance - perhaps better training programs for local talent alongside skilled immigration.
A
Ananya R
The $100,000 fee is practically a ban in disguise. Many talented Indian students who studied in US universities won't be able to afford this. This will hurt American innovation in the long run. 🤦‍♀️
V
Vikram M
At least the State Department clarified that existing visa holders are safe. But this uncertainty makes Indian professionals think twice about US opportunities. Canada and Europe looking more attractive now.
S
Sarah B
Worked with H-1B engineers from India for 10+ years. They're some of the most dedicated professionals I've met. The anti-immigrant rhetoric is disappointing and doesn't reflect the reality of tech workplaces.
K
Karthik V
Maybe it's time for India to create more opportunities so our best talent doesn't have to go through this visa drama. Make in India should focus on retaining

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